Saturday, March 11, 2023

Burst Pipe Adventure - Day 32

Yesterday, my friend Bert asked me “what mountain are you going to climb this weekend?” - I’ve got an answer now!  I woke up at 0600 (still in White River Junction) and went to breakfast at 0630.  After that, I got ready and left hotel at 0700.  From there, I drove to Sacred Heart in Lebanon and attended the Men of St. Joseph Monthly Meeting (0730 to 0900).  Afterwards, I drove to West Lebanon and did some shopping at Hannaford (0915).  Once finished with that, I back to the Holiday Inn and changed clothes so I could go to the first "Prouty Snow Day."  This event was being held at the Woodstock Inn & Nordic Center today and gave those of us who’d raised money for the Dartmouth Hospital in 2022 a pass for the cross country ski course!  I arrived at 1030 and, after a brunch and philanthropy networking event (it ended at 1145), I headed out on the “Flatlander” Trail.  I definitely enjoyed my first hour of diagonal stride in the tracks!  Looking for something more challenging, I then climbed higher on the “Brookside” Trail (lots of up/downs).  At about the 1.5 hour mark, I noticed that there was a ski trail to the top of Mount Peg (1100’) and, with the encouragement of a few other folks who were thinking the same thing, started uphill on the nearly 1.8 mile climb.  The snow conditions on this trail were awesome and, coupled with temps in the high 30s with mostly sunny, made for a great excursion in the woods.  I reached the summit without too much trouble, took in an amazing view of Woodstock and then started downhill again.  Detoured on “Upper Cross” Trail on the way back and had my only fall of the day on a nasty 270 degree turn.  Otherwise, though, I snowplowed successfully back to the lower levels of the trail system.  Made it to the clubhouse at the three hour mark (1445) and decided to call it a day.  Then rewarded myself with a cold beer at the bar.  While there, I socialized with some of the other skiers (Jennifer and her husband) and the bartender (Taylor).  I didn't realize they were about to close so was still there after the doors were locked (1615) - no one objected, though.  Feeling pretty good about my ability to climb a significant hill and return downhill with minimal effort.  I drove back to the Holiday Inn and ate a light dinner in my room (1730).  After that, I read and watched movies until bed time (2200).  What a great day!